Important
The HKALE is no longer held. The last sitting for school candidates was in 2012 and the final sitting, for private candidates only, was in 2013. It was replaced by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, first held in 2012. Students in Hong Kong now take the HKDSE.
Overview
The Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) was a public examination run by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). It was first held in 1980 and was mainly taken at the end of the two-year sixth form. Its results were used for university admission and for employment.
Under the New Academic Structure introduced in 2009, the HKEAA ran the first HKDSE in 2012. The HKALE ran for the last time for school candidates in 2012 and for private candidates in 2013, and was discontinued from 2014. The HKEAA says the HKALE recorded more than 900,000 entries over its 34 years.
Exam pattern
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Run by | Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) |
| Taken by | Mainly students finishing the two-year sixth form |
| Sittings | Held each year in March and June |
| Results | Released in June or July |
| Subject levels | Advanced Supplementary (AS) level and Advanced (A) level |
| Grades | A to F, with results below F reported as unclassified (UNCL) |
An AS-level subject was taught in about half the lesson time of an A-level subject, but the HKEAA expected the same intellectual standard from both.
Syllabus
Each subject had its own HKEAA syllabus. Subjects offered in the final years included:
Languages: Use of English (AS), Chinese Language and Culture (AS), Chinese Literature (A), Literature in English (A and AS).
Mathematics: Pure Mathematics (A), Applied Mathematics (A and AS), Mathematics and Statistics (AS).
Sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, plus Computer Studies, Computer Applications and Electronics.
Humanities and business: History, Chinese History, Geography, Economics, Government and Public Affairs, Principles of Accounts, Business Studies, Psychology, Ethics and Religious Studies and Liberal Studies.
Arts: Visual Arts (A and AS).
The 2013 sitting offered fewer subjects; for example, Computer Studies, Electronics and Literature in English were not offered that year.
Marking and results
Results were given as six grades, A (highest) to F (lowest). A result below grade F was reported as unclassified (UNCL). Before 2002 the HKEAA also used fine grades such as A(01), A(02), B(03) and B(04); these were dropped from 2002.
After the exam
The HKEAA still issues proof of past HKALE results (1980 to 2013) for further study or employment. Past candidates can apply, on paper or online, for a Statement of Results, a Certification of Results letter sent to an employer or institution, or a letter confirming that they entered or sat the examination. Fees apply; check the HKEAA certification page for the current fees.
Is the HKALE still held?
No. The final HKALE for school candidates was in 2012 and the final sitting, for private candidates, was in 2013. It has been replaced by the HKDSE Examination.
What replaced the HKALE?
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, first held in 2012 under Hong Kong's New Academic Structure.
How can I get proof of my old HKALE results?
Apply to the HKEAA for a Statement of Results or a Certification of Results through its certification service, either online or with a paper form.